This past Sunday, the Rotary Club of Tortola (RCOT) launched its signature project for the 2024-2025 Rotary year at the Roger Downing Memorial Mangrove Boardwalk, located at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) Paraquita Bay Lagoon Marine Centre. Guided by HLSCC Mangrove Nursery team members, Nia Jeffers and Gian Jeffers, a group of dedicated Rotarians, Rotaractors, and friends came together to maintain and enhance the boardwalk area.

Volunteers pruned overgrown foliage, cleared decaying logs and branches that obstructed the 1,628-foot walkway, and swept away accumulated debris. They also collected litter washed into the surrounding mangrove root systems due to surface run-off, ensuring the boardwalk is safe, clean and accessible for all visitors. Additionally, the Chainsaw ‘Deep Water’ Crew, led by Marc Downing, worked on clearing the area where piles have already been laid for the upcoming boardwalk extension.